Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most important nutrients to human health. The number of consumers globally who are aware of omega-3 fatty acids and their role in health is high, and the number of people who are specifically consuming omega-3 for health has increased dramatically over the past few years. Consumer demand for omega-3 products will continue to grow briskly over the 2011-2015 period, and will influence the activities of manufacturers and marketers worldwide in supplying omega-3 products across various categories and segments of consumer packaged goods (CPGs), including private label products.

In Omega-3: Global Product Trends and Opportunities, Packaged Facts analyzes the future of the global omega-3 market, and pinpoints opportunities in a $13 billion industry that is far from reaching its saturation point. The link between “dietary supplements” (the traditional method for boosting omega-3 intake) and consumer diets and grocery store food products is becoming ever stronger. Moreover, consumers increasingly regard the health and beauty products they use as extensions of the foods they eat and the nutritional supplements they take. What has emerged, therefore, is a continuum of nutrient-positioned products extending from whole foods (including natural and organic products) and fortified/functional foods through to nutritional supplements and personal care products. In the case of pet owners, this continuum also extends to pet foods (which are inherently functional), treats, supplements, and grooming products—essentially replicating the range of human products available.

Moreover, a significant amount of nutrient-based new product development is driven by the concept of “superfoods.” Although the concept of foods with pharmaceutical-grade benefits flies in the face of a strong medical and regulatory community distinction between food and drugs, “superfoods” has emerged as a powerful marketing concept—in part because it builds on age-old conventional wisdom and nutritional adages such as “an apple a day helps keep the doctor away.” Omega-3’s widely accepted status as a “superfood,” in combination with a globally expanding range of nutrient-based new product development across CPG markets, means that the market for omega-3 products will remain lively and opportunity-rich for years to come.

Scope of Report

This report focuses on packaged retail products that are marketed as high in omega-3 fatty acids, whether these products are inherently high in omega-3 or purposefully enhanced or fortified with this nutritional content, and whether the omega-3 content is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or alpha linolenic acid (ALA).

A number of marine and non-marine food sources inherently contain these omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and fish oil, algal oil, canola oil, soybean oil, flaxseed, and walnuts. Therefore, packaged food products such as fish, breads (particularly those with seeds and nuts), and nut or hemp milks may naturally contain high levels of omega-3. In addition, high omega-3 ingredients are commonly added to a range of packaged products to enhance their omega content.

The geographic scope of this report is global, and the packaged consumer product categories covered are: foods and beverages, which account for the bulk of the market; health and beauty care (HBC) products, primarily consisting of supplements; and pet products, primarily dog or cat food.

Report Methodology

The information contained in this report was obtained from primary and secondary research. Primary research entailed participation in GOED Exchange 2011, the first international conference held by Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED Omega-3); Packaged Facts surveys of U.S. consumers; consultations with manufacturers and industry insiders; and an on-site examination of retail products. Secondary research included extensive Internet canvassing and research- and data-gathering from relevant consumer business and trade publications; company information including annual reports, press releases, and conference calls; company profiles in trade and consumer publications; government reports; and other food and nutrition market reports by Packaged Facts. Sales estimates are based on analysis of data from the above sources.